Thunder
Baby Varian was one month old, and still learning about the world. Some things he liked, others not so much. Today, he had discovered something he didn't like. It was storming with thunder and lightning. Both his parents were inside, Quirin having led the animals into the barn earlier in preparation for the weather.
"You were right, dear. A big storm was coming." Quirin said.
Vivienne smiled. "My barometer never fails." she declared loftily. She'd checked it this morning and told Varian how it predicted weather. A sealed glass container, half filled with water and a narrow spout open to the atmosphere responded to air pressure. When the air pressure was stable, the water level in the barometer remained the same, and weather was good. When the air pressure was lower, the water level in the spout rose above the water level in the glass body. And when the pressure fell very quickly it meant a storm of great intensity was coming.
Varian seemed to be interested in that, wiggling and raising his hands towards the barometer, although he was far too young to actually touch it. He reacted very strongly to sights and sounds and smells. Vivienne wasn't one to brag (often), but it seemed to her that her baby was quite smart, and developing rapidly compared to other children. It made her feel very proud. She would have loved Varian regardless of his intelligence, but knowing she had birthed an exceptional baby made her glow with pride. Quirin didn't quite seem to believe the extent of Varian's superior intellect, often saying that "as long as he's healthy, things are fine." But Vivienne knew he was pleased with Varian in his own way.
But while Varian had burbled happily when told of the upcoming forecast, now that he was experiencing the storm, his reaction was quite different. He was wailing almost inconsolably, frightened by the flashing lightning and booming thunder.
"Shh-hh. It's okay, Varian. Thunder is merely caused by the rapid expansion of air surrounding the path of a lightning bolt. It's a very common weather phenomenon." Vivienne explained to her crying child.
"You really think that will calm him down?" Quirin remained a skeptic.
"Of course, Varian loves having things demonstrated and explained. He has the perfect mindset for a future alchemist." Vivienne said airily.
"No alchemy." Quirin objected.
"Why? You said alchemy was 'a fine hobby' for me to have!" Vivienne shot back.
"That was before we had Varian! I've seen your instruments and vials, he could ingest some chemicals, or get burned on a heater. I'm not ever sure that barometer was safe to be around him, what if the glass had shattered and cut him?" Quirin argued.
"He was very safe, the whole time." Vivienne insisted. In her arms, Varian cried some more. He hated loud noises, and though his parents weren't actually yelling, they had gotten louder without realizing it. Seeing that he was upset, the adults forgot their quarrel and rushed to comfort him.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have been arguing, I should have been think of Varian." Quirin apologized.
"Well, it was my fault too. Perhaps I am rushing things a little, I just get so excited thinking of Varian's education." Vivienne admitted.
"He'll learn a lot, with you as a teacher. It almost makes me wish I could have lessons myself." Quirin laughed.
"Hmm, I think I'd have to change the curriculum a bit for you. Less science, more physical education." Vivienne looked at her husband slyly. Quirin was blushing now, this big tough former knight still turning to jelly at Vivienne's more romantic suggestions. She loved him, and if she had rattled him a bit, she'd just have to make up for it later (when Varian was asleep, of course.)
The storm was dying down now, it seemed the worst was over. Now there was just the gentle sounds of rainfall replacing the more violent thunder. Varian was quieter too, and squirming less.
"Gah." Varian said, and smiled when she looked at him.
"The storm has nearly passed, Varian. See, it wasn't so bad. I bet you're probably hungry after all that excitement. Would you like some milk?" Vivienne asked her baby.
"Guh." Varian replied. She took it as a 'yes'.
"You feed the baby. I'll get dinner started." Quirin offered, kissing her on the cheek.
"I'll help, once Varian's settled." Vivienne said. She didn't like to be idle for long.
"Be good for your mother." Quirin instructed Varian.
"Guh ba!" Varian squealed, reaching out a chubby hand for Quirin to hold. Quirin smiled. Maybe his son, the future farmer, was a precocious little guy after all.
The End
One of his parents is right about Varian's career path. No prizes for guessing which one.